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Month: February 2026

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Healthy Indoor Air Quality for Home: 10 Work From Home Tips

healthy air quality for home

With remote work now a lasting part of modern life, it’s more important than ever to consider the quality of the air you’re breathing at home. Maintaining healthy indoor air quality for home offices is essential for protecting your long-term health and productivity.

Working from home comes with plenty of advantages, from reduced business overhead to employees gaining valuable time by eliminating commutes. What began as a temporary response to the pandemic has evolved into a permanent shift for many workplaces.

At the start of 2021, reports indicated that 42% of U.S. workers were remote, nearly double the number from early 2020. While that surge was driven by necessity, many companies have since adopted hybrid or fully remote models for the long term.

“The trend toward working from home has been slowly increasing over the past decade. But those numbers have shifted dramatically in 2020 due to the widespread changes caused by COVID-19,” said Dr. Goodarzi, Canada Research Chair for Radiation Exposure Disease.

Like any major lifestyle change, remote work has both benefits and challenges. One of those challenges is maintaining safe indoor air quality at home. By understanding potential indoor air pollutants and taking preventative steps, you can ensure your home office supports both your productivity and your well-being.

7 Common Indoor Air Pollutants that can have Significant Health Risks:

  1. Mold
  2. Pollen and Allergens
  3. Low Ventilation Rates and Carbon Dioxide Concentrations
  4. Carbon Monoxide
  5. Asbestos and Lead-based Paint
  6. Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC’s)
  7. Radon Gas Exposure

These hazardous pollutants and gases can be prevented or mitigated. With the correct tools, tips, and preventive measures you can create safe breathing air in your own home. The American Lung Association has shared some additional tips to know if your air is unhealthy. Establishing healthy indoor air quality at home is important to your overall health, especially for those of us working remotely.

10 tips to improve indoor air quality for a healthier home office environment:

  1. Thoroughly vacuum and clean your home once a week.

    Regular vacuuming with a HEPA filter helps reduce dust, allergens, pet dander, and airborne particles. Clean carpets, rugs, furniture, and corners where contaminants accumulate.

  2. Never smoke indoors.
    Tobacco smoke contains harmful chemicals that cling to surfaces and linger in the air, severely degrading indoor air quality. Designate outdoor smoking areas and ensure guests follow this rule to protect everyone in the household.
  3. Replace your furnace and air filter every 6 to 12 months.
    Dirty filters reduce airflow and allow dust, pollen, and other contaminants to circulate. Check filters monthly and change them more frequently if you have pets or allergies. Consider using high-efficiency filters rated MERV 11 or higher for better air purification.
  4. Use an air purifier.

    Air purifiers with HEPA filters remove fine particles, allergens, and airborne pollutants. Place them in frequently used rooms such as your home office or bedroom.

  5. Invest in house plants for your workspace.
    Certain indoor plants like spider plants, peace lilies, and snake plants help purify the air by absorbing pollutants and increasing humidity. Be mindful of plant care needs and potential allergies. Rotate plants to different rooms for balanced air quality.
  6. Keep humidity levels under 50 percent to avoid mold growth.
    High humidity fosters mold, mildew, and dust mites. Use a hygrometer to monitor levels and a dehumidifier in damp areas like basements. In bathrooms, run exhaust fans during and after showers to control moisture buildup.
  7. Open your windows when the weather is nice to create ventilation.
    Letting fresh air in helps dilute indoor pollutants and refresh stale air. Create cross-ventilation by opening windows on opposite sides of the home. This is especially important when cooking or using cleaning products.
  8. Test for asbestos.
    Homes built before the 1980s may contain asbestos in insulation, floor tiles, or ceiling materials. Disturbed asbestos can release dangerous fibers. If you suspect its presence, contact certified professionals for testing and safe removal—never attempt to handle it yourself.
  9. Invest in a Carbon Monoxide detector.
    CO is a colorless, odorless gas that can be fatal. Install detectors near sleeping areas and on every floor. Test them monthly and replace the batteries at least once a year. Ensure appliances like furnaces, fireplaces, and gas stoves are properly ventilated.
  10. Test your home for radon gas.
    Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that can seep into homes from the ground and is the second leading cause of lung cancer. Purchase a radon test kit or hire a certified professional. If high levels are detected, mitigation systems can be installed to safely reduce exposure.

When it comes to your health and safety when working from home, testing for radon is especially important. Radon is a naturally occurring, radioactive gas that can be found at dangerous levels in your home. You would not know if your home has radon or not because it is odorless, colorless, and tasteless.

Consequently, that invisible radioactive gas may be accumulating at elevated levels in your home. This same gas is responsible for the deaths of more than 21,000 Americans every year. Also, it is the leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers.

This gas is naturally occurring, originating from the breakdown of uranium in the ground, and enters your home through cracks in the foundation or pipes. Radon damages your lungs when breathed and over time can mutate lung cells, resulting in lung cancer.  

The radon risk of working from home

Dr. Goodarzi and other radon researchers are predicting a 35% jump in residential radon exposure from March 2020 onwards.

Due to the COVID pandemic, people are still spending much more time at home than in the past. 

If your home has elevated levels of radon, you are being exposed more often than you would if you were spending less time at home. It is as important as ever to test your home for radon to make sure your breathing air is healthy and safe.

If your radon test results come back elevated, install a radon mitigation system. The EPA recommends mitigating your home if the radon levels come back at 4.0pCi/L or above. Learn more about radon and the symptoms of radon gas poisoning here.

Any type of home can have elevated radon levels, regardless of if you have a basement or not walk out basements, crawl spaces, any home or building can have radon. Levels can vary between homes in the same neighborhood, even homes right next to one another. Elevated radon levels have been detected in all 50 states. 

It is never too late to take action. As you continue to spend time at home, make sure to take care of your mental and physical health by improving your air quality. The damaging effects of exposure to radioactive radon are completely preventable.

Let’s get started, schedule your radon test today!

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Leading Risk Factors for Lung Cancer

Anyone with lungs can get lung cancer. For this reason, everyone should be aware of the potential dangers to their lung health. When most people hear of someone being diagnosed with lung cancer, they assume it was caused by smoking. However, smoking is not the only cause.

 

There are several leading risk factors for lung cancer, including radon gas exposure, hazardous chemicals, secondhand smoke, and environmental pollutants.

 

Knowing the leading risk factors for lung cancer can help you protect your lungs and take preventive action.

What is Lung Cancer?

Lung cancer is now the leading cause of cancer deaths amongst men and women in the world.  Also, it is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer. Every year, more than 235,000 new cases of lung cancer are diagnosed in the U.S., along with nearly 132,000 deaths.

Leading Risk Factors for Lung Cancer - Lungs
Lung cancer is a disease in which abnormal lung cells continuously divide, destroying healthy tissue along the way. This abnormal cell division is also called a malignant tumor. Lung cancer can then metastasize, spreading to other parts of the body. Abnormal cell growth is often caused by harmful or radioactive substances that damage the lung when breathed, tobacco smoke being only one possible cause for lung cell damage. In fact, only 14 percent of the U.S. population smokes.

Though the percentage of people who are smoking is decreasing, lung cancer incidents and deaths are increasing because other causes of lung cancer are still impacting the population.

Oftentimes, lung cancer is not diagnosed until it has developed to a later stage due to a lack of awareness and early detection. A late-stage diagnosis often comes with a low chance of survival. Lung cancer can be hard to diagnose in the early stages with few initial symptoms and the lack of knowledge and awareness of the disease. 

Many people believe that if they do not smoke or use tobacco that they could never develop lung cancer. The early signs of the disease are hard to detect as is. When it is thought of as never being a possibility, the chances of being diagnosed in a later stage significantly increases. Therefore, being informed of the potential risk factors and causes of lung cancer could be the difference between life and death. Anyone with lungs can get lung cancer.

Risk Factors of Lung Cancer

Leading Risk Factors for Lung Cancer
Lung Cancer - Smoking
Smoking

Tobacco smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, those who smoke are approximately 30 times more likely to get lung cancer than those who don’t. Also, cigarette smoking remains the leading cause of preventable disease and death in the United States. Studies also show that the more cigarettes smoked per day and the more years a person has smoked greatly increases the likelihood of developing lung cancer.

Lung Cancer - Secondhand Smoke
Secondhand Smoke

Secondhand smoke is another major lung cancer risk factor. It occurs when tobacco smoke fills the environment and is inhaled involuntarily.

 

According to the CDC, over 2.5 million non-smokers have died from secondhand smoke exposure since 1964.

 

Secondhand smoke contains toxic chemicals that damage lung tissue and increase lung cancer risk.

Hazardous Chemicals
Hazardous Chemicals

Exposure to certain hazardous chemicals and substances can cause damage to the lungs, which could result in lung cancer. Asbestos, uranium, arsenic, cadmium, chromium, nickel, and some petroleum products can be particularly dangerous to your lungs (learn more at the American Lung Association). The CDC states that some of these substances are far more dangerous than smoking tobacco. Certain jobs may be required to work with such chemicals; however, these chemicals could also be found in soil or older buildings due to a chemical spill. This type of contamination is often referred to as chemical vapor intrusion. Learn more about keeping your indoor air quality safe. 

Family Genetics - Lung Cancer
Family History

If your family members have been diagnosed with lung cancer, you may be more likely to develop the disease, as well. This could be based on living in or being exposed to the same environment and breathing the same level of air quality. If an environmental factor caused their diagnosis, there is a chance you could be at risk, too. Lung cancer could be contributed to members of a household being exposed to radon, cigarette smoke, and other hazardous elements that can cause lung cancer. Also, family history may play a role in the susceptibility of cell mutation. 

Lung Cancer - Radon
Radon Gas

Many individuals have never heard of radon – a colorless, odorless, tasteless, radioactive, naturally occurring gas. Yet, the EPA states radon is the leading cause of lung cancer among nonsmokers. Over 21,000 people die from radon-induced lung cancer every year in the United States alone. Also, smokers exposed to elevated radon levels have a much higher risk of developing lung cancer. Learn more about the symptoms of radon gas poisoning on our blog. 

How does radon harm your lungs? Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that is released from the breakdown of uranium in the ground. This gas can seep into your home, your office building, your schools, or any building for that matter through cracks and openings in the foundation. Once radon is present, it can then damage your lungs when breathed. The higher the level of radon in an indoor environment, the higher chances of damage to your lungs.

The EPA recommends installing a professional radon mitigation system if the radon level is 4.0 pCi/L or above. However, there is no safe level of radon. The first step in preventing your exposure to radon gas is to test.

Test your home in the Louisville or Lexington area or contact a certified radon specialist in your area. 

How do you reduce your lung cancer risk?

Protecting your lungs from the risk factors above is the best way to reduce your risk and prevent the developing lung cancer. Take these steps to keep your lungs healthy and safe:

  • Do not smoke.
    • You can decrease your risk of developing lung cancer by not smoking. 
    • Counseling, nicotine replacement products, or antidepressants can help a person quit smoking. 
  • Test your home and office for radon gas.
    • Radon-induced lung cancer is preventable through radon testing and mitigation.
    • Radon gas is odorless, colorless, and tasteless, so the only way to know if radioactive radon is in your home is to test.
    • You can schedule a professional radon test with a licensed and certified local radon professional to determine your radon exposure risk at home.
  • Avoid other indoor air pollutants
    • If you are in an environment or live with someone who smokes, talk to them about quitting smoking and the risks of developing lung cancer. 
    • If you are a smoker, do not smoke indoors or in cars to protect others around you.
    • If your job requires you to be around toxic chemicals, dust, or fumes take the necessary precautions and talk to your employer.
  • Live a healthy lifestyle
    • Keep your lungs and body healthy by exercising.
    • Those who eat fruits and vegetables have a lower risk of developing lung cancer.
    • A healthy lifestyle generally lowers your risk for developing cancer overall.
  • Get tested with a low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scan
    • If you are 50 years or older and have a history of smoking, you should get screened with a low dose CT scan. 
    • If you have a job that puts you at elevated risk for lung cancer, an LDCT scan is also recommended for you. 
    • If you have been exposed to elevated levels of radon, talk to your doctor about getting a scan.

Lung Cancer Treatment

If you are currently or have been exposed to any of the risk factors for lung cancer, talk to your doctor. Take steps and preventative measures to reduce your risk and protect your lungs. Also, discuss the signs and symptoms of lung cancer with your primary care doctor if you think you are experiencing these symptoms.

Furthermore, there is no guarantee of life-long healthy lungs. It is important to talk to your doctor and advocate for your lung health. Early detection and prevention gives lung cancer patients the best chance at fighting the disease.

Key Points:

  • Lung cancer is the leading cancer killer in both men and women in the U.S.
  • Smoking may pose the greatest risk, but it is not the only cause of lung cancer. There are other causes, such as exposure to radon and other hazardous air pollutants.
  • Screening at-risk individuals has the potential to dramatically improve lung cancer survival rates.
  • To reduce your risk of lung cancer, be aware of risk factors and take preventative measures. 
  • Test your homes and buildings for radon gas as one way to help prevent lung cancer.

Add Your Heading Text Here

The leading risk factors include smoking, secondhand smoke, radon gas exposure, and certain hazardous chemicals and pollutants. Family history can also play a role. Smoking carries the greatest risk, but it is not the only cause, which is why understanding all the factors helps you take preventive steps.

Yes. Anyone with lungs can develop lung cancer. In fact, radon is the leading cause of lung cancer among people who have never smoked. Non-smokers can also be affected by secondhand smoke, hazardous chemicals, and other environmental factors, so awareness and prevention matter for everyone.

Radon is a radioactive gas from the natural breakdown of uranium in the ground. It can seep into buildings through the foundation, and breathing elevated levels over time can damage the lungs. The EPA links radon to about 21,000 lung cancer deaths each year, and there is no safe level.

Certain substances can damage the lungs and raise lung cancer risk, including asbestos, uranium, arsenic, cadmium, chromium, nickel, and some petroleum products. These may appear in some workplaces, or in soil and older buildings after a chemical spill, a situation known as chemical vapor intrusion.

Do not smoke, and avoid secondhand smoke and indoor air pollutants. Test your home and workplace for radon, since radon-induced lung cancer is preventable through testing and mitigation. Take precautions around workplace chemicals, live a healthy lifestyle, and talk with your doctor about screening if you are at higher risk.

A low-dose CT scan is generally recommended for people 50 or older with a history of smoking, and for those whose jobs raise their risk. If you have been exposed to elevated radon, talk with your doctor about whether screening is appropriate for you. Early detection improves outcomes.

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